It took almost the entire summer to wrap it up, but along with the confirmation that Liverpool have finally completed the signing of Sevilla fullback Alberto Moreno comes a massive sigh of relief.
With first choice left-back Jose Enrique ruled out for much of last season, securing both cover and more importantly competition for the Spaniard was a key transfer target this summer as the Anfield outfit looked plug the holes at the back. “Alberto is a player with huge potential, but importantly he is also ready to come in and contribute straight away” explained Reds manager Brendan Rodgers. “He is quick, strong and serves the ball really well.”
Video courtesy of Rayted Are
Those, of course, are all qualities that will serve him well on Merseyside as the Northern Irishman looks to integrate him into his sides electric style of play — something that was starting to look like wasn’t ever going to happen.
“In my view, Liverpool are the best club in England and I couldn’t waste an opportunity to come and play for them” he said before explaining his emotional reaction following Sevilla’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final. “I’ve been at Sevilla since I was very young – from 2004 until today. I couldn’t help feeling emotional, but coming to Liverpool was a great opportunity and one which I couldn’t turn down.”
The Reds were rumoured to have been interested in the Spaniard since the early days of the transfer window and saw a number of bids pushed back, rebuffed and laughed off as Sevilla held out for a fee far more than what the Anfield outfit was willing to pay to secure his services. Even up to the end, the Andalusian outfit held on as hard as they possibly could until the jig was all but up when they withdrew him from the match day squad that lost out to Real Madrid in Cardiff.
“We have monitored him in Spain for some time and every time I have seen him I have been greatly impressed” said Rodgers sounding very much like the cat that got the cream. “What is also important is that he is hungry to improve and recognises it is vital to keep learning.”
Moreno is the Northern Irishman’s eighth signing of what’s been a very busy summer and he joins the growing contingent of young, promising players that he’s brought to the club. Along with fellow Spaniard Javier Manquillo, the 22-year old is Rodgers fifth signing of the summer under the age of 23 with Emre Can, Divock Origi, who will spend the season back at Lille, and Lazar Markovic all a bit inexperienced despite their earlier exploits — that’s not to say that they won’t be able to run with the best the Premier League has to offer.
“I think I can add my willingness to play, my aggression, hard work and being part of the team – always sticking together” said the 22-year old when asked what he’ll be able to bring to the team before revealing that he’s been catching up on their exploits last season. “I watched a lot of games and noticed the team are very incisive and determined, with fast attacking players who can decide a game at any moment. The defence is strong and solid, hard to beat and to score against.”
That’s the idea anyway; after shipping an unacceptable amount of goals last season, Moreno’s signing comes part and parcel with Liverpool putting a renewed focus on the defense. With the acquisitions of Dejan Lovren from Southampton and the two-year loan deal for Manquillo from Atletico Madrid some of Rodgers most important business of the summer, the 22-year old has a chance to make a spot in the starting eleven his own. Now that he’s taken the opportunity, it’s time to prove that he deserves it.
–Steven
